What to Eat in An Giang: A Culinary Journey Through Chau Doc’s Mekong Delta Flavors

A Vibrant Blend of Mekong Delta Flavors

An Giang Province, nestled in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is a culinary treasure trove where fertile rivers and cultural diversity create a unique food culture. Far beyond its outdated reputation as a regional cuisine, An Giang’s dishes, influenced by Kinh, Cham, Khmer, and Hoa communities near the Cambodian border (100 km), offer bold, authentic flavors. From Chau Doc’s bustling markets to Long Xuyen’s floating eateries, iconic dishes like Bun Ca Chau Doc (fish noodle soup) and Tung Lo Mo (Cham beef sausage) range from $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND). An Giang’s tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F) ensures year-round harvests of fish, rice, and tropical fruits, sustaining its vibrant, sustainable cuisine.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly culinary tours to savor An Giang’s flavors, using bicycles and electric boats to connect you with local artisans while preserving the environment. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your journey.

Administrative Note

Use “Chau Doc, An Giang Province” or “Long Xuyen, An Giang Province” for navigation. Key culinary spots include Chau Doc Market (5 km from Chau Doc center), Long Xuyen Market (2 km from Long Xuyen center), and Tri Ton Market (40 km from Chau Doc), with Long Xuyen City as An Giang’s administrative center, 50 km from Chau Doc. The merger of Kien Giang into An Giang Province enhances connectivity for Mekong Delta travelers.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 20,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our An Giang culinary tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge, and partnerships with local communities to preserve culinary traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, immersive experience that supports An Giang’s green tourism vision.

An Giang’s cuisine is a vibrant blend of local ingredients and multicultural influences, best experienced in Chau Doc and Long Xuyen. Here are the top dishes to savor:

1. Bun Ca Chau Doc (Chau Doc Fish Noodle Soup)

• Description: A fragrant soup with snakehead fish, turmeric-infused broth, mam (fermented fish paste), and rice vermicelli, served with water spinach and banana blossoms. Its Cambodian-inspired sweet-savory flavor is unique.

• Where to Try: Chau Doc Market or Chau Doc Riverside Eatery ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Experience: Join a cooking workshop ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) to master broth simmering, or taste it on a Chau Doc Floating Market tour ($12–$25 or 300,000–625,000 VND).

• Tip: Try early morning (6:00–8:00 AM) for the freshest fish; start with a small portion if new to mam’s bold aroma.

2. Tung Lo Mo (Cham Beef Sausage)

• Description: A smoky sausage of lean beef, fat, cold rice, and spices, with sour and non-sour varieties, served with rice vermicelli and chili-soy sauce, reflecting Cham Islamic traditions.

• Where to Try: Chau Doc Market or Chau Giang village eateries ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND).

• Experience: Learn sausage-making in Chau Giang ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) or cycle through Cham villages ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND).

• Tip: Opt for non-sour sausage if new to fermented flavors.

3. Chao Bo Tri Ton (Tri Ton Beef Porridge)

• Description: Creamy porridge with tender Tri Ton beef, ginger, scallions, and a kaffir lime (la chanh) dipping sauce, known for its rich, sweet-savory taste.

• Where to Try: Tri Ton Market or Tri Ton Riverside Eatery (40 km from Chau Doc, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Experience: Join a cooking workshop in Tri Ton ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) or taste it during the Khmer Ethnic Minority Cultural Festival (April).

• Tip: Add bean sprouts for a lighter flavor; try organs for a bold taste.

4. Goi Sau Dau (Bitter Leaf Salad)

• Description: A tangy salad of sau dau leaves, dried snakehead fish, tamarind water, and thốt nốt sugar, offering a unique bitter-sweet profile.

• Where to Try: Chau Doc Market or An Tuc eateries (40 km from Chau Doc, $3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND).

• Experience: Forage sau dau in An Tuc or join a cooking class ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) to master tamarind sauce.

• Tip: Chew slowly to appreciate the evolving flavors; best in the dry season (November–April).

5. Banh Phong Phu My (Phu My Puff Pastry)

• Description: Crispy sticky rice pastry flavored with thốt nốt sugar or sesame, often paired with chicken salad (goi ga).

• Where to Try: Phu My commune or Chau Doc Market (20 km from Chau Doc, $1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND).

• Experience: Join a puff pastry workshop in Phu My ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) or taste it at the Southern Traditional Cake Festival (April).

• Tip: Pair with chili sauce for extra zest.

6. Com Tam Long Xuyen (Long Xuyen Broken Rice)

• Description: Broken rice with honey-marinated pork chop, fried egg, and pungent fish sauce, a Long Xuyen staple.

• Where to Try: Long Xuyen Market or Long Xuyen Riverside Restaurant (50 km from Chau Doc, $2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND).

• Experience: Savor it on a Long Xuyen Floating Market tour ($12–$25 or 300,000–625,000 VND) or learn pork marination in a workshop ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND).

• Tip: Best in the early morning or evening; avoid afternoons when less available.

7. Mam Thai (Thai Fish Paste)

• Description: A bold fermented fish paste, often paired with herbs, pork, or balut eggs, used in dishes like Lau Mam hotpot.

• Where to Try: Chau Doc Market ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND per jar).

• Experience: Join a Mam Thai cooking class ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) or buy as a souvenir at Chau Doc Market.

• Tip: Try gradually if new to fermented flavors; pair with lemongrass and greens.

8. Xoi Phong Cho Moi (Cho Moi Fried Sticky Rice)

• Description: Crispy sticky rice with mung bean paste, fried to golden perfection and paired with roasted chicken.

• Where to Try: Cho Moi Market (30 km from Chau Doc, $2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND).

• Experience: Visit Cho Moi for a frying workshop ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) or taste it at local weddings.

• Tip: Enjoy with chili sauce for a spicy kick.

9. Canh Chua Ca Loc (Snakehead Fish Sour Soup)

• Description: A tangy soup with snakehead fish, water lilies, tamarind, and coriander, sweetened with thốt nốt sugar.

• Where to Try: Chau Doc Riverside Eatery ($3–$10 or 75,000–250,000 VND for 4–6 people).

• Experience: Try it on a Chau Doc Floating Market tour ($12–$25 or 300,000–625,000 VND) or in a cooking class ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND).

• Tip: Best in the flood season (August–November) for fresh fish.

10. Thot Not (Palmyra Palm) Delicacies

• Description: Includes nuoc thot not (palm juice, $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), banh bo thot not (palm cake, $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND), and thốt nốt sugar ($3–$5/kg or 75,000–125,000 VND), harvested from palm flowers.

• Where to Try: Chau Doc Market or Tri Ton palm groves.

• Experience: Visit a thốt nốt grove in Tri Ton ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND for bike tours) or join a palm sugar workshop ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND).

• Tip: Buy yellow-brown sugar for natural flavor; best served cold for juice.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): The flood season (August–November) is ideal for dishes like Canh Chua Ca Loc and Mam Thai, with abundant fish and herbs. Fewer crowds (50–200 daily visitors). Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Book tours 24–48 hours ahead.

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Perfect for market visits, workshops, and festivals like Chol Chnam Thmay, with clear skies and moderate crowds (100–300 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.

• Festival Seasons:

  • Chol Chnam Thmay (Mid-April): Taste Cham dishes like Tung Lo Mo, 1,000+ visitors. Book 1–2 weeks ahead.

  • Southern Traditional Cake Festival (April): Features Banh Phong Phu My, 5,000+ visitors. Book 1–2 weeks ahead.

  • Ba Chua Xu Festival (April/May): Combines temple visits with market dining, 10,000+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Visit markets early (6:00–8:00 AM) for fresh ingredients; afternoons for workshops; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for dining and cultural events.

From Chau Doc (5 km to Chau Doc Market, 10–15 minutes)

• Route: Head to Chau Doc Market via Le Loi Street or visit eateries like Chau Doc Riverside Eatery.

• Transport Options:

  • Walking: Free, ideal for short distances.

  • Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND), traditional and eco-friendly.

  • Motorbike: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), flexible for market hopping.

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND), sustainable and comfortable.

• Navigation Tip: Save “Chau Doc Market, An Giang Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

From Long Xuyen City (2 km to Long Xuyen Market, 50 km to Chau Doc, 5–60 minutes)

• Route: Head to Long Xuyen Market via Tran Hung Dao Street or take National Highway 91 to Chau Doc Market.

• Transport Options:

  • Bus: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) to Chau Doc, then cyclo or motorbike.

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND), direct and eco-friendly.

  • Motorbike: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), scenic and flexible.

• Navigation Tip: Use offline maps for “Long Xuyen Market, An Giang Province.” Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

From Ho Chi Minh City (250 km to Chau Doc, 193 km to Long Xuyen, 4–6 hours)

• Route: Travel via National Highway 1A to Chau Doc or Long Xuyen, then head to markets.

• Transport Options:

  • Bus: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station (e.g., Phuong Trang, Hung Cuong), then cyclo or motorbike.

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $100–$180 (2,500,000–4,500,000 VND), direct and eco-friendly.

  • Flight + Bus: Fly to Can Tho ($40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND) + bus to Chau Doc or Long Xuyen ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Chau Doc, An Giang Province” in offline maps.

From Hanoi (1,600 km, 5–6 hours)

• Route: Fly to Can Tho or Rach Gia, then travel to Chau Doc or Long Xuyen.

• Transport Options:

  • Flight + Bus: Fly to Can Tho ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND) + bus to Chau Doc or Long Xuyen ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Flight + Taxi: Fly to Rach Gia (Kien Giang ward, $90–$160 or 2,250,000–4,000,000 VND) + Xanh SM electric taxi ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND).

• Navigation Tip: Use offline maps for “Chau Doc, An Giang Province.”

Eco-Friendly Note

Opt for cyclos, bicycles, or electric taxis to minimize environmental impact; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport arrangements.

• Walking: Free, ideal for Chau Doc or Long Xuyen Markets (1–2 km radius).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable for market and village visits.

• Motorbike Rental: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), eco-friendly for longer distances.

• Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND), traditional and eco-friendly.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or cyclos; book through Legend Travel Group.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes at Chau Doc or Long Xuyen Markets.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire, sturdy sandals, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; modest clothing for Cham and Khmer villages.

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for market purchases, biodegradable wipes.

• Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), sunscreen ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

Activity Costs

• Culinary Dishes: $1.50–$10 (37,500–250,000 VND).

• Cooking Workshops: $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND).

• Floating Market Tours: $12–$25 (300,000–625,000 VND).

• Nearby Attractions: $2–$25 (50,000–625,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Motorbike Rental: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND).

• Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

Accommodation Costs

• Budget Homestays (e.g., Chau Doc Eco Homestay, Long Xuyen Eco Homestay): $12–$25/night (300,000–625,000 VND).

• Mid-Range Hotels (e.g., Chau Doc Riverside Hotel, Chau Khuong Hotel): $30–$50/night (750,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Luxury Hotels (e.g., Victoria Chau Doc Hotel): $60–$100/night (1,500,000–2,500,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$30 (market tastings, homestay dining).

• Mid-Range: $40–$60 (guided culinary tour, homestay lodging).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (premium tours, upscale lodging).

• Timing: Visit markets early (6:00–8:00 AM) for fresh ingredients; afternoons for workshops; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for dining. Expect 50–300 visitors at markets daily, peaking during festivals.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; book festival tours (April) 1–2 weeks ahead. Homestays require 1–2 days’ notice.

• Sustainability: Use reusable totes for purchases; support artisans with buys like mam or thốt nốt sugar ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Choose eco-friendly transport like bicycles or cyclos.

• Navigation: Save “Chau Doc Market, An Giang Province” or “Long Xuyen Market, An Giang Province” in offline maps; key sites are within 2–50 km.

• Safety: Secure valuables in crowded markets; check for typhoons (June–December). Try fermented dishes like mam or sour Tung Lo Mo gradually if new to bold flavors.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; respect Cham and Khmer customs by dressing modestly (long sleeves, no shorts in villages) and asking permission before photographing.

Discover An Giang’s cuisine with our eco-friendly tour packages:

• An Giang Culinary Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Taste Bun Ca Chau Doc, Tung Lo Mo, and more, join a cooking workshop, and visit Chau Doc Market. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• An Giang Food & Culture Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Explore Chao Bo Tri Ton, Chau Doc Floating Market, and eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Savor An Giang specialties, visit Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, and Ba Chua Xu Temple with boat and bike tours. Includes meals, eco-transport.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.

An Giang’s culinary scene, from the aromatic Bun Ca Chau Doc to the crispy Banh Phong Phu My, is a vibrant celebration of the Mekong Delta’s multicultural heritage, best experienced in Chau Doc and Long Xuyen. With bustling markets, intimate cooking workshops, and festivals like Chol Chnam Thmay, it’s a food lover’s paradise. Legend Travel Group’s An Giang Tours ensure a responsible, immersive experience that supports local artisans and preserves An Giang’s environment, blending eco-friendly practices with An Giang Travel. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your An Giang culinary adventure today!
Ready to explore the vibrant cuisine of An Giang in Chau Doc? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta culinary adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group